See my guide on how to use an Instant Pot.


Healthy Zucchini Boats, stuffed with seasoned quinoa, olives, tomatoes, and feta. This easy recipe is also healthy, vegetarian, and gluten free!

Zucchini Boats stuffed with olives, tomatoes, and feta.

I’m back with more zucchini recipes! There are zucchini muffins, zucchini cookies, zucchini noodles, zucchini fries and my favorite side, roasted zucchini. All of those zucchini recipes have become fast favorites that we make regularly.

I love fresh zucchini in all forms. My favorite way to eat it is simply grilled with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. It’s the easiest summer side dish! For today’s recipe, I’ve taken that zucchini, stuffed it Mediterranean style for a vegetarian dinner. This is a meal that will make both your tastebuds and your waistline very happy!

Zucchini Boats on white serving dish

Have you tried stuffed zucchini yet? I never knew they were such a thing until this summer, and I had yet to try them until recently. Once I made these lasagna stuffed zucchini boats, I was hooked! I can’t say which I like more – those lasagna zucchini or this stuffed zucchini. I guess it depends on if you’re in the mood for warm and cheesy, or grilled zucchini with salty olives, fresh tomatoes, and feta!

These Zucchini Boats take just 30 minutes to make. I like to grill the zucchini on my grill pan, so that’s an option if you don’t have access to an outside grill or just don’t want to use it. While the quinoa cooks you’ll grill the zucchini halves and start chopping the veggies for the filling.

close up view of finished stuffed zucchini boats

Between the protein-packed quinoa and the zucchini, these zucchini boats are a filling meatless meal. You can easily make them vegan by omitting the feta.

two zucchini boats on a white plate ready to eat

close up of stuffed Zucchini Boats in white serving dish

Grilled Zucchini Boats

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Healthy Zucchini Boats, stuffed with seasoned quinoa, olives, tomatoes, and feta. This easy recipe is also healthy, vegetarian, and gluten free!

Ingredients

  • ½ cup quinoa
  • 1 cup water
  • 4 large zucchini
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup pitted kalamata olives, quartered
  • ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese, omit to make vegan

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the quinoa under cold water and drain. Place quinoa and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a low simmer, and cover. Cook for 10 minutes, or until water is absorbed. Transfer to a large bowl to cool slightly.
  • Meanwhile, heat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise and use a small metal spoon to scoop out the insides. Brush cut sides of zucchini with olive oil. Grill zucchini, cut side down, for 4-6 minutes, until crisp-tender. Transfer to a baking dish or baking sheet.
  • Whisk together the lemon juice, oregano, and salt. Stir it into the quinoa.
  • Halve the tomatoes, quarter the olives, and chop the red onion and parsley. Add these to the bowl with the quinoa, along with the feta cheese. Stir to combine.
  • Scoop filling into the grilled zucchini boats. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. Zucchini boats may be served cold or at room temperature.
Serving: 2zucchini halves, Calories: 204kcal, Carbohydrates: 24g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 8mg, Sodium: 465mg, Potassium: 727mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 7g, Vitamin A: 764IU, Vitamin C: 47mg, Calcium: 104mg, Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information is an estimate.
Cuisine: Greek
Course: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Tried this recipe?Mention @kristines_kitchen on Instagram or tag #kristineskitchenblog.

These zucchini boats pack a nutritious punch!

  • Zucchini is low in calories, yet very filling thanks to its high water and fiber content. Zucchini is also a good source of many vitamins and minerals.
  • Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. It is higher in fiber than most other grains and a good source of manganese, magnesium, and iron.
  • Tomatoes provide vitamin C and lycopene, an antioxidant that may help in cancer prevention. Add some to the side of your plate for even more nutrition!
  • Fast and fresh meals like this one leave you with more time to do the things you love, like go for a walk and enjoy your family!

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

This site contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Kristine's Kitchen!